Venetian blind retainers



April 28, 1964 A. s. BONANNO 3,130,777

VENETIAN BLIND RETAINERS Filed Sept. 25, 1961 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY m 9 m F mm w 3/ fi Mm r s m C/YA WY A Q A m AB v 2 H, K f

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United States Patent 3,136,777 VENE'IIAN BLIND RETAINERS Anthony S. Eonanno, 307 S. 4th Ave, Highland Park, NJ. Filed Sept. 25, 1961, Ser. No. 140,306 3 (Jiairns. (Cl. 169-478) The subject of the invention relates to retainers for Venetian blinds, and more particularly to a device for maintaining a Venetian blind in its proper position in a window frame without interfering with the normal operation of the blind.

A primary object of the invention is to provide a device which will keep a Venetian blind properly aligned with respect to the window frame in which it is installed and prevent unnecessary and unwanted swinging movements due to wind or to the operation of the blind.

Another object of the invention is to provide a simple, easily installed device which is neat in appearance and requires a minimum amount of maintenance.

A further object of the invention is to provide a device which will protect the window frame and sill from being marred by the movement of the blind elements against.

the window frame and sill. V

A further object is to provide a device which will allow the blind to be removed from the window frame for cleaning or repair without the necessity of dismantling, removing or in any way disturbing the retainer device.

A still further object is to provide a device which may be easily manufactured using inexpensive materials.

These and other objects will be readily apparent in the complete description of the invention that follows. The invention may be briefly described as a retainer for use in conjunction with a Venetian blind having a series of spaced horizontal elements lying in a vertical plane, the retainer comprising means adapted to guide each end of at least one of the elements and restrain unwanted movement of the elements in horizontal directions lying in the plane and perpendicular to the plane, means cooperating with the guide means to prevent vertical movement of at least one of the horizontal elements to a position below a given point, and means cooperating with the guide means to allow the retained ends to be selectively moved in a direction generally perpendicular to the plane thereby releasing the ends from the guide means.

The invention is illustrated by way of example in the following drawings of specific embodiments:

FIGURE 1 is a front elevational view showing a Venetian blind installation utilizing a pin and groove retainer embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of FIGURE 1 showing cooperation between the guide pin and the guide channel.

FIGURE 3 is an elevational view of an elongated member providing a guide channel.

FIGURE 4 is a plan view of two elongated members installed back-to-back.

FIGURE 5 is an elevational view of the back-to-back elongated members of FIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is a front elevational view showing a Venetian blind installation utilizing a channel member retainer embodiment of the invention.

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of FIGURE 6 showing cooperation between the blind elements and the guide channel.

FIGURE 8 is an elevational view of a channel member providing a guide channel.

FIGURE 9 is a plan view of two channel members installed back-to-back.

FIGURE 10 is an elevational view of the back-to-back channel members of FIGURE 9.

3,130,777 Patented Apr. 2 8, 19 64 ice Throughout the various illustrations and views, like parts are referred to by like reference characters.

The device consists generally of a guide channel, indicated in the figures by C, an outlet K and a stop S. A guide channel may be fixed to a window frame at both ends of the horizontal elements E of the blind. In large window applications where a series of blinds are installed in side-by-side relationship, the guide channels may be installed in back-to-back relationship between the blinds as shown in FIGURES 4, 5, 9 and 10. The outlet allows the retained ends of the horizontal elements of the blind to be slipped out of the guide channels when it is necessary to remove the blind from the window frame for cleaning or repair without removing, dismantling or disturbing the guide channel installation. Note that the outlet extends laterally completely across the guide channel section so that no distinction is made between left hand and right hand guide channel sections. The stop serves to support the base bar 1 of the blind so that it will not rub against the window sill when the blind is in its lowermost position.

Each guide channel is preferably fabricated in three or more sections indicated at T, M and B. The top section T contains the outlet K while the bottom section B incorporates the stop means S. The middle section M provides the main body of the guide channel and may be cut to any desired length in order to fit the particular window frame in which the installation is to be made. Varied, standard length sections M may be provided for standard window frames, while the size of sections T and B may remain constant.

Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGURES 1 through 5;

The Venetian blind is made up of a series of horizontal elements E illustrated in FIGURE 1. These elements are comprised of a base bar 1 and slats 2. On each vertical member 3 of the window frame F is mounted an elongated member 4 which is preferably made up of three sections T, M and B, but which constitutes a single structural element in the combination of the invention. A groove 5 is formed in the elongated member 4. A transverse outlet groove 6 runs horizontally completely across elongated member 4 and intersects groove 5 near the uppermost portion of elongated member 4. Groove 5 is terminated at a given point indicated at 7 near the lowermost portion of elongated member 4. A guide pin 8 is fixed at each end of the base bar 1 and extends horizontally therefrom to slidably engage groove 5 of each elongated member. Additional guide pins may be fixed to any number of slats 2, if desired, to similarly engage groove 5.

The blind will remain in proper alignment with the window frame despite forces tending to push the horizontal elements in a horizontal direction, but is free to travel vertically over the length of groove 5. The base bar 1 cannot travel vertically below the point at which pin 8 contacts the end of groove 5 at point 7. The end of groove 5 at point 7 acts as a stop means. In this way the sill 9 is protected from any marring that may occur as a result of the base bar 1 contacting the sill 9. Vertical frame members 3 are protected from being marred by the ends of the horizontal elements B because of the barrier set up by elongated members 4. Guide pins 8 may be made expansible in an axial direction and urged axially outwardly by spring means (not shown). In this manner, any horizontal play in a direction along the horizontal members between the guide channels and the horizontal elements will be taken up by expansion of the guide pins.

When it is necessary to remove the blind from the window frame for cleaning or repairs, the guide pins 8 are simply slipped out of the grooves 5 through intersecting outlet grooves 6 releasing the retained ends of the horizontal elements.

Referring now to the embodiment of the invention il' lustrated in FIGURES 6 through 10:

On each vertical frame member 3 is mounted a channel member 10 made up of a web portion 11 and flange portions 12. The three sections T, M and B constitute a single structural element in the combination of the invention. The web and flange portions form a U-shaped channel. Openings 13 in the flange portions 12 intersect the U-shaped channel at the uppermost portion of the channel member 10. The base bar 1 and the slats 2 are re strained from horizontal movement by the web and flange portions of channel members it which effectively retain the ends of the base bar and most of the slats. The base bar 1 is prevented from traveling vertically below a point where it will engage the protuberance M which acts as a stop means to protect the sill 9 from being marred by contact with the base bar. Vertical frame members 3 are protected from being marred by the horizontal elements E because of the barrier set up by the web portion 11.

When it is necessary to remove the blind from the window frame, the retained ends of horizontal elements E of the blind may be slipped out of the U-shaped channels through openings 13.

In installations Where large windows are involved and a series of blinds are installed in side-by-side relationship, the guide channels of the invention may be installed in back-to-back relationship as indicated in FIGURES 4, 5, 9 and 10. In such an instance brackets 20 and 21 serve to anchor the guide channels as well as hold the sections of the guide channels together. The inherent rigidity of the design of the guide channels will keep those members in proper alignment to serve the function of keeping the blinds in proper position.

The channel guide members may be fabricated easily of wood, metal or plastic. The simple construction of the channel guides lends itself readily to milling or molding, while metal or plastic materials could be extruded as well.

From the foregoing it can readily be seen that a simple and effective means has been devised to eliminate the unwanted horizontal movement of ordinary Venetian blinds and improve the overall operation of such blinds.

Although the invention has been described by way of example in connection with a limited number of embodiments, it is readily apparent that it may be adapted to a wide variety of configurations and therefore it is intended in the appended claims to cover all modifications and variations coming Within the true spirit and scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A retainer for use in conjunction with a Venetian blind installed in a window frame having vertical members and a horizontal sill, the Venetian blind having a series of spaced horizontal elements lying in a vertical plane between the vertical members and above the sill, said retainer comprising:

(A) a pair of elongated guide members for installation in a vertically mounted position upon the vertical members, one at each end of said blind;

(B) a guide channel in each of said guide members for guiding each end of at least one of said horizontal elements and restraining unwanted movement of said elements in horizontal directions lying in said plane and perpendicular to said plane when said guide members are properly installed;

(C) a stop on each guide member at a given point adjacent the lowermost portion of each said channel and displaced vertically above the sill a distance great enough to prevent vertical movement of the lowermost of said horizontal elements to a position below said given point thus preventing contact between said lowermost element and the sill when said guide members are properly installed; and

(D) an outlet adjacent an uppermost portion of each said guide member and intersecting each said channel vertically below the uppermost extremity of each said guide member to allow said guided ends to be selectively moved in a direction perpendicular to said plane to release said ends from said channels when said guide members are properly installed.

2. A retainer for use in conjunction with a Venetian blind installed in a window frame having vertical members and a horizontal sill, the Venetian blind having a series of spaced horizontal elements lying in a vertical plane between the vertical members and above the sill, said retainer comprising:

(A) an elongated member adapted for installation upon the vertical members adjacent either end of said horizontal elements and having a groove providing a vertical guide channel when each elongated member is properly installed;

(B) a guide pin for installation in either end of at least one of said horizontal elements to extend horizontally into said groove and restrain unwanted movement of said elements in horizontal directions in said plane and perpendicular to said plane when each elongated member is properly installed;

(C) said groove ending at a given point adjacent the lowermost portion of said elongated member and displaced vertically above the sill a distance great enough to prevent vertical movement of said guide pin and said horizontal elements to a position below said given point thus preventing contact between said horizontal elements and the sill when each elongated member is properly installed; and

(D) a groove running transversely completely across said elongated member in a plane perpendicular to the first said plane and intersecting said guide channel adjacent the uppermost portion of said elongated member vertically below the uppermost extremity of each said elongated member to provide an outlet from said channel and allow said guide pin to be se lectively released from said channel when each elongated member is properly installed.

3. A retainer for use in conjunction with a Venetian blind installed in a window frame having vertical members and a horizontal sill, the Venetian blind having a series of spaced horizontal elements lying in a vertical plane between the vertical members and above the sill, said retainer comprising:

(A) an elongated channel member for installation upon the vertical members adjacent either end of said horizontal elements and having a web portion and parallel flange portions perpendicular to said web portion and cooperating with said web portion to provide a vertical, U-shaped guide channel for receiving ends of said horizontal elements between said flange portions to restrain unwanted movement of said elements in horizontal directions in said plane and perpendicular to said plane when said channel members are properly installed;

(B) a protuberance projecting horizontally into said guide channel normal to said web portion adjacent the lowermost portion of said channel member to engage the lowermost of said horizontal elements at a given point displaced vertically above the sill a distance great enough to prevent vertical movement of said lowermost of said elements to a position below said given point thus preventing contact between said lowermost element and the sill when said channel members are properly installed; and

(C) an opening in the uppermost portion of each of said flange portions providing outlets from said guide channel extending vertically below the uppermost extremity of each elongated member to allow said retained ends to be selectively moved in a direction perpendicular to said plane so as to release said ends from said channel when said channel members are properly installed.

(References on foliowing page) References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Weber Feb. 23, 1886 Mulford Dec. 20, 1921 Hoyt June 17, 1930 McNulty Dec. 30, 1930 Boland May 17, 1932 6 Burns Apr. 25, 1933 Wade et a1. Dec. 28, 1937 Fridolph Dec. 17, 1946 Zitomer Apr. 10, 1956 Holloway July 9, 1957 Anerhaan Dec. 3, 1957 Gates Dec. 10, 1957 Smith Feb. 14, 1961 

1. A RETAINER FOR USE IN CONJUNCTION WITH A VENETIAN BLIND INSTALLED IN A WINDOW FRAME HAVING VERTICAL MEMBERS AND A HORIZONTAL SILL, THE VENETIAN BLIND HAVING A SERIES OF SPACED HORIZONTAL ELEMENTS LYING IN A VERTICAL PLANE BETWEEN THE VERTICAL MEMBERS AND ABOVE THE SILL, SAID RETAINER COMPRISING: (A) A PAIR OF ELONGATED GUIDE MEMBERS FOR INSTALLATION IN A VERTICALLY MOUNTED POSITION UPON THE VERTICAL MEMBERS, ONE AT EACH END OF SAID BLIND; (B) A GUIDE CHANNEL IN EACH OF SAID GUIDE MEMBERS FOR GUIDING EACH END OF AT LEAST ONE OF SAID HORIZONTAL ELEMENTS AND RESTRAINING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF SAID ELEMENTS IN HORIZONTAL DIRECTIONS LYING IN SAID PLANE AND PERPENDICULAR TO SAID PLANE WHEN SAID GUIDE MEMBERS ARE PROPERLY INSTALLED; (C) A STOP ON EACH GUIDE MEMBER AT A GIVEN POINT ADJACENT THE LOWERMOST PORTION OF EACH SAID CHANNEL AND DISPLACED VERTICALLY ABOVE THE SILL A DISTANCE GREAT ENOUGH TO PREVENT VERTICAL MOVEMENT OF THE LOWERMOST OF SAID HORIZONTAL ELEMENTS TO A POSITION BELOW SAID GIVEN POINT THUS PREVENTING CONTACT BETWEEN SAID LOWERMOST ELEMENT AND THE SILL WHEN SAID GUIDE MEMBERS ARE PROPERLY INSTALLED; AND (D) AN OUTLET ADJACENT AN UPPERMOST PORTION OF EACH SAID GUIDE MEMBER AND INTERSECTING EACH SAID CHANNEL VERTICALLY BELOW THE UPPERMOST EXTREMITY OF EACH SAID GUIDE MEMBER TO ALLOW SAID GUIDED ENDS TO BE SELECTIVELY MOVED IN A DIRECTION PERPENDICULAR TO SAID PLANE TO RELEASE SAID ENDS FROM SAID CHANNELS WHEN SAID GUIDE MEMBERS ARE PROPERLY INSTALLED. 